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Revelation 21

27 verses

TL;DR

Revelation 21 describes the creation of a new heaven and earth, the appearance of the New Jerusalem as God's dwelling with His people, and the ultimate triumph of God’s covenant promises.

Summary

In chapter 21, John is given a vision of a new heaven and earth where the former cosmos has disappeared. He then sees the holy city, New Jerusalem, descending from heaven like a bride prepared for her husband. A great voice proclaims that God will dwell among humanity, wiping away all sorrow, death, and pain. God declares that all things are made new, calling Himself the Alpha and Omega, and promises the fountain of life to those who thirst. Those who overcome inherit all things and become children of God, while the unrighteous are condemned to the lake of fire, the second death. John is then shown the precise measurements and ornamentation of the city: a square city of golden streets, twelve pearl gates, a jasper wall, and foundations of various precious stones, all illuminated by the glory of God rather than sun or moon. The city contains no temple because God and the Lamb are its temple. Those saved walk in its light, and nothing impure enters.

The passage concludes with a vision of eternal worship, where the nations bring glory and honour into the city, and no defilement is allowed, only those written in the Lamb’s book of life.

The tone is hopeful and triumphant, emphasizing the restoration of creation and the certainty of God’s covenant.

Outline
  1. Vision of the new heavens, earth, and New Jerusalem
  2. God’s presence, promises, and final judgment
  3. Detailed description of the New Jerusalem and its eternal glory
Themes
Restoration and RenewalDivine Presence and WorshipJudgment and Victory over Evil
Keywords
new heavennew earthNew JerusalemtabernacleAlpha and Omegafountain of lifesecond deathlake of firegolden reedprecious stonespearl gatesno temple
People
JohnGodthe Lambthe seven angelsthe apostles
Places
New heavenNew earthNew Jerusalem
Things
new citygolden reedtwelve pearl gatesjasper walltwelve foundations of precious stonesfountain of lifelake of fire
Key Verses
  • Revelation 21:1: Shows the beginning of the new creation and the disappearance of the old.
  • Revelation 21:3: Reveals God's promise to dwell with His people and wipe away sorrow.
  • Revelation 21:5: God declares the restoration of all things and confirms His divine authority.
  • Revelation 21:8: Details the judgment of the unrighteous, illustrating contrast with the righteous.
  • Revelation 21:23: Highlights that the city’s light comes from God, eliminating need for sun or moon.
Questions
  • What does the vision of the new heaven and earth reveal about God’s creative power?
  • How does the description of the New Jerusalem’s architecture convey spiritual truths?
  • What is the significance of God and the Lamb being the temple of the city?
  • How does Revelation 21 portray the relationship between judgment and hope?
  • In what ways does the imagery of pearls and precious stones serve as symbols for believers’ worth?
Sentiment

positive
The passage conveys hope, restoration, and the triumph of God’s promises.